First, there were her homophobic statements, recorded by a now-former staff member. Those comments ranged from disgust to embarrassing ignorance. Public outrage followed after Express-News columnist Brian Chasnoff broke the story.

It took a full weekend and then some, but eventually Chan issued a statement and answered questions. To apologize? Of course not.

Rather, she has anchored her unvarnished views about the LGBT community, and a proposal to update the city's anti-discrimination ordinance, to the First Amendment.

She thinks homosexuality is disgusting, that same-sex parents will confuse children and transgender people are just nonsensical. These are her personal views guaranteed by her freedom of speech, she said in the statement and at a press conference.

To be clear. No one is questioning Chan's freedom of speech. She is free to say whatever she wants, even if it is steeped in ignorance and bigotry.

As an elected official, though, her comments carry more weight and receive more scrutiny than most other residents. She represents this city.

As such, her lack of contrition is stunning. She clearly does not grasp the impact of her words, or that some of her constituents are the very people she has derided.

So, too, is her lack of honesty. As the recording makes clear enough, she sought to conceal her views under the cloak of “family values” and government intrusion. Really, though, the reason for her opposition was disgust.

While Chan once had greater political aspirations, and perhaps still does, we don't see how she can continue representing this city.

Our endorsement of her this spring reflected a dearth of quality candidates, and a hope that she would improve as a councilwoman. She had a rocky tenure — failing to disclose land she owned next to a planned city library site — but we hoped she would be the strong conservative voice worthy of her district.

Her homophobic comments and utter lack of contrition shatter that hope.

This update to the city's anti-discrimination ordinance is past due. It will bring San Antonio in line with about 180 other cities and towns. It will provide necessary protections for veterans and the LGBT community when it comes to public accommodations, housing and city employment.

Bigotry and intolerance might define Chan's personal view on homosexuality and gender identity. But they have no place in public representation. Elisa Chan should resign from City Council.